Heights Streetscape Implementation Plan
The Urban Renewal Agency Board (URAB) and Urban Renewal Advisory Committee (URAC) are finishing the last phase of the Heights Streetscape Redesign Process. During their October and November meetings, the URAC and URAB reviewed and provided feedback on the final draft of the preferred design and implementation plan. The final draft featured renderings to help readers imagine what the new streetscapes in the Heights may look like after completion and provided a plan for phased implementation. Both aerial and street view renderings give a fuller picture of overall feel as well as the on-the-ground experience.
This final draft report is the culmination of several years of work and community involvement. Most recently in April of 2022, the City of Hood River and MIG Consulting hosted a community open house, which helped to select design number 3, the hybrid design, as the preferred concept out of three alternatives. The project team then entered Phase 3, which further developed the preferred plan and set a course for implementation. Thoughtful consideration was given to the phasing of projects to help realize the entire design. Noting the need for improvements to bike and pedestrian infrastructure as soon as possible, and the large scale of some of the improvements, the phasing is designed to begin with small public safety-oriented projects while funding is secured for larger construction projects.
The actual dates of construction depend on available funds and the jurisdictional transfer of ODOT roads to City-controlled roads. Several of the large intersection changes will take significant resources and may take several years before implementation. The plan starts with pedestrian and bicycle improvements on 13th Street, such as curb extensions and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (flashing crosswalks), followed by a neighborhood connection on Taylor Ave, and sidewalk improvements along the East side of 13th Street.
In addition to implementation, the plan also provides examples to contribute and establish a unique neighborhood identity and feel, tree and shrub palettes, and several options for incorporating green stormwater facilities. The final plan is accessible and reader-friendly, and available on the City of Hood River’s website here: cityofhoodriver.gov/urban-renewal/the-heights-streetscape-plan.
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